# Karnataka ranks seventh in HPV vaccination coverage, reports one adverse event 2026-08-22T08:16:45+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Karnataka has achieved the seventh-highest Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage in India, administering 81.9% of its allocated doses as of August 20. The state reported just one minor adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) among over four lakh doses given, one of the lowest rates among states with substantial coverage. National data shows wide variation: Madhya Pradesh achieved 100% coverage with 20 AEFIs, while Kerala reported 11, Assam nine, Rajasthan eight, West Bengal 12, Bihar three, and Andhra Pradesh none. Karnataka's single AEFI is significant as the campaign for adolescent girls aged 14-15 continues. Health officials said district teams are monitoring reactions and addressing misconceptions. Launched on February 28 in Ajmer by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nationwide programme saw Karnataka start the same day. As of August 20, the state administered 4,15,939 of 5,08,030 allocated single-dose vials. Vijayanagar district led with 98.3% coverage, while Dakshina Kannada lagged at 47.6%. Officials are working on a proposal to vaccinate 15-year-old girls after the campaign. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, with an estimated 1.23 lakh cases and 67,000 deaths annually. The HPV vaccine, which prevents infection from high-risk strains, is most effective when given before sexual debut. India's national programme targets girls aged 9-14, but the current campaign covers only those 14-15. The low AEFI rate in Karnataka matters because vaccine hesitancy often stems from safety fears, Dakshina Kannada's low coverage suggests persistent misinformation. Watch for the August 31 campaign deadline and the state's proposal to expand to all 15-year-olds, which would require additional central funding and logistical planning. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Straight data-driven reporting with quotes from an official, no evaluative language or slant. This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: cervical cancer, Dakshina Kannada, HPV vaccination, Karnataka, Ravindranath Meti Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-ranks-seventh-in-hpv-vaccination-coverage-reports-one-adverse-event/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-ranks-seventh-in-hpv-vaccination-coverage-reports-one-adverse-event/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes. How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/